TIKZ [Moving To The Golden Age]
012 - THE WORLD IS GROWING

"We're leaving." said Fusena carrying a cloth bag under the twilight sky.

"How do we meet again?" tanya Idaline pressed her lips scowling. Fusena forbade him to travel.

"I'm going to the palace on the night of the turn of the year" replied Fusena pulling two of Idaline's cheeks together until her lips curved into a smile.

"To Janapada only," timpal Idaline pinched back Fusena's cheek. "Bone of all," he murmured holding the tapered cheek of Fusena.

"alright. Remember my message always" Fusena's message rubbed Idaline's cheek.

"Yes," Idaline and Fusena nodded simultaneously. "Pfft," the laughs they're hugging.

Ekata patted Candra on the shoulder to wake her from the daydream. Then he hugged his sister while stroking the back of the man who was as tall as his stomach. "Healthy always. Take care of your mother's father as well as the others."

"She too,"

"Be careful on the road," Idaline waved her hands excitedly.

"We're back, brother?" candra asked as the two grown men disappeared from their sight. His lips were slightly open and he was tightly closed waiting for the right time.

Candra diverts her curiosity to another problem she needs to take care of; the heir to the family.

But instead of being lost, the question of the relationship of Idaline and the Great Sage is increasingly becoming. "If only it were close, wouldn't it cure my curse?" ask in the heart.

The Great Sage was not someone he could ask for help even if his elder brother was a disciple of the Great Sage.

The borderless person has many things to take care of, cannot pay special attention to one person. Therefore he had never raised a disciple other than Ekata. "Somehow the elder brother did it," Candra's mind was amazed.

The great ascetic is not anti-social, he is friendly to everyone. But as if he was at the top of the cone, no one needed to accompany him.

The rulers needed great effort to invite him to attend the ceremony. Let alone a private meeting, only the count of the ruler's fingers had ever sat alone with him.

"I want to watch the game first" replied Idaline resuscitated Candra. His hand had drawn the girl down the hill.

"We prepare tables and chairs for the two of you on top for easy viewing." welcome the young man to see their arrival.

"Thank you" Idaline liked the privilege she had in her hands.

They ascended to higher ground beside the junction that leads to the village of Gulet.

The game starts from the top 10 of each village in random order. Victory is determined if one of the parties manages to knock his opponent off the stage, falling to the ground.

"How about the first half with bare hands, the second half with one weapon, and the last round using magic or learned magic?" idaline's proposal wants to minimize losses. Unlike Butala and Bentala, the war of the three villages took a real toll. Revenge and hatred were implied from their gazes at each other.

The village head of Gelut and Wrestling nodded in agreement. "Do it like that" said the village head Gelut representing.

"No. My kids are all good at magic. After all, a real fight is easier to use magic,"

Idaline smiled in response to the words of village chief Gulet. "The real fight will be won by an ambush as strong as anyone. And out there are a lot of people who can make us unable to cast magic,"

"Can't cast magic?"

"really. The world has developed, there are many ways that opponents cannot use magic. Therefore we must learn the fight using muscles and also close range. The ambush I said usually strikes people up close, ", explains Idaline. His encounter with Fusena made his mind calm. Can you have a little fun? Like enjoying a snack while watching a game.

"The village head is calm, we will not lose that easily" chanted the young man of Gulet village in the line of fighters. His friends agreed. "True, village chief." they said.

"These children," the village chief Gulet sighed. "Do it like that,"

"We're gonna start this fight. By the rules, the first round contained 30 people using their bare hands, the second half left 15 people using one blunt weapon, and the last round which was the last 6 using magic and canuragan. Then the ranking of 1, 2, and 3 will be provided with a variety of sharp weapons that can also be filled with magic stones," said the host, a young man whose justice is recognized throughout the village.

"A child prostitute who forgot to take medicine and was raised to be a disciple of the village elder Kulak. His job is to trade. He received all the merchandise and orders of the people regardless of his status and origin. Although his village was being suppressed by other villages, he still received goods and orders. Trade honestly, people believe in him that there is no interest behind his kindness." Idaline observes a posture that dares to straighten her back in front of important people. "Maybe it.." Idaline smiled back at the young man who noticed her gaze.

"Because we find it difficult to use magic freely and limited with each use, magic stones are made to store soul energy while we are relaxing. The energy within us will be replenished if we do not use magic" explained village chief Gulet.

"That's amazing," praised Idaline.

"But we still have a lot of difficulties. The best stones many fail,"

"I don't understand this kind of development. If you want, I'll try to propose to the best witch of Maja kingdom." Idaline looked at Candra who was sitting next to her.

"It's an honor for us. Of course we would especially if we were able to find the root of the problem and make magic easier to use."

"Because yesterday was too complicated, I have not properly introduced myself. My name is Candra Ekadanta from Maja Kingdom."

"You're from the Ekadanta family?!" exclaimed the village chief Gulet while standing in surprise.

"true."

"It is an honor for our little village to have someone from the Ekadanta family," said the head of the Wrestling village, laying his hands on his chest.

"Are you willing to cooperate with our village to research magic stones?" asked the village chief Gulet enthusiastically showing his magic stone.

"There's nothing wrong with your stones, it's just that the space inside is different. That way, being able to hold a little, the result remains a little as much as whatever you put energy into it." Candra glimpsed each participant's stone with her red pupils.

"You know very well" said Idaline.

"I've heard rumors that the reason Maja kingdom almost all of its knights use keris because it has been processed to be united with magic," the village chief of Gelut suddenly appeared beside the village chief Gulet.

"True, if our keris is able to absorb magic or magic to all its parts, then this stone will store magic in it. All collected stones have shelf life but low-quality ones will be useless in battle. And because sometimes it doesn't focus or the stone walls are thicker than the remaining magic, this has to be developed until the magic is easily released,"

"What about kanuragan?" ask the village chief of Gelut.

"So far a stone can only store soul energy. Since kanuragan used the aura of the body, it would be difficult to store it elsewhere."

"Kanuragan is easier to learn, develop, and not limited in time. But to use it we must focus on silence. Maybe if between users there are some rules that must be obeyed, but the real world is not like that. I'm so worried about my village's children, it's a pity that this old man's stone can't be used,"

"Who is old man? You don't realize that whitened beard of yours?" angry village chief Gulet.

"Old man, I want to buy your stone."

"You didn't hear the young master's explanation? This stone is difficult to use and despite being developed that succeeds somehow many. I'm not gonna give it to you,"

"Well, it's useless to the people of my village anyway,"

The village chiefs Gelut and Gulet clashed with their mouths until a round passed.

"Candra, aren't you bored?" Idaline was surprised not to see Candra next to her.

"Young master is gone," replied the village chief Gulet who took a seat next to Candra's seat.

"You're so focused that you don't realize the young master asked for permission" the village chief of Gelut chimed in.

"The fight is so exciting that you can't hear around," Idaline heard all the talk about the stone and focused on watching the game until it was over.

"We're so glad you all liked it. The young master also seemed to be curious about our fighting style,"

"The "Maja Kingdom used kris and spears. There were very few archers and others. Candra would have wanted to learn some tricks. The more science, the more we develop." Idaline smiled. "I want to go see the kitchen,"

"I'll take you, miss." said the young man standing behind the Idaline chair.

"The more knowledge, the more we develop." muttered the village chief Gelut.

"Certainly,"

"Well, then why are we so stupid to keep fighting for no reason?" the head of the Wrestling village walked towards the chair of the village chiefs Gelut and Gulet. "How about we just make peace now? No need to wait for the fight to finish," the Wrestling village chief smiled sincerely.

"No need to rush. After all the mercenary office will be given to the village that won this match,"

"Right the chief of the village of Gulet said. Patience village head Wrestling, tomorrow this match will be over," village head Gelut laughed as he lightly hit the village head of Wrestling and Gulet on the shoulder.

"I can't wait, though,"

••••••••••••••••••••

"Sister, I want to stay here for a few months" Candra said as they ate breakfast.

Idaline was actually very afraid to see the fierce fight yesterday. In theory, the villagers would not dare to refute the Maja nobility let alone injure him. But still what if they are crazy to dig up information Kingdom Maja?

Idaline massaged his forehead. His eyes caught the straw bag Fusena gave him hanging on the wall. His heart calmed down again and he replied, "Alright. Don't forget to tell your family,"

"certain. Brother will stay with me, right?" Candra stared expectantly.

"I'm going to look for edelwies,"

"Ede-wes?"

"Ah, perennial flower. I'll look for him at Dieng Mountain,"

"No need." reject Idaline. "The mountains are close, just a few kilos from here. You just focus on training. I'll accompany you when you're done,"

There are still a few months until the turn of the year, Idaline can relax while looking after her new sister.

"Young master, your friends came to pick you up," Dien, the daughter of the village chief of Gelut who was in charge of serving them, entered the table to clean up.

Candra looked coldly at his disrespectful behavior. He blinked his eyes removing his red pupils. Smiling at the worried Idaline. "Smuch careful on the road,"

"Yes. You train hard,"

Candra nodded then went out. His steps slowly intimidated all who saw him. A stern expression was etched on Idaline's face, lest anyone look down on her as she continued to have a friendly face.

"The people who drove you are ready, miss" said Dien bowing his head.

"Thank you." reply Idaline walked in front.

Idaline saw three people, one teenage boy leaning against a tree, one crouching and one woman standing tall. Hurriedly they gathered to see Dien appear behind Idaline. They don't know the face of the guest of honor.

"It's sixth-ranked Cokro in yesterday's match. The woman in the middle was Ami, despite losing in the first round, she was an expert in surprise attacks. And Noto is good at cooking," explains Dien.

"We salute His Majesty." they insist on paying their respects.

"Wake up, there's no need to be too formal. And call like the others."

"OK, miss. Thank you very much."

"Miss, I have some recently completed Condroso made overnight. Please be chosen as a gift for the lady," Dien called his servant over to them

Condroso is a konde puncture that serves as a weapon. One stab can make a fatal deep hole especially if the position of the puncture is exactly at the vital point.

Because of its plain shape, nobles usually put Condroso between beautiful skewers that captivate the eyes.

"Thank you for the lady's kindness," Idaline took the thinnest Condroso. Rejecting a reward is disrespectful treatment that is only done to the enemy.

"What did you bring?" tanya Idaline saw the package in the sling of Cokro, the boy who had previously been leaning against the tree.

"This is my weapon, Your Majesty." replied Cokro laying down the package.

"No need to open," hold Idaline when Cokro releases the strap. "We're leaving now" he asked her to wait for Cokro to tie back his package and walk together to the horse-drawn carriage.

"We give him wholeheartedly but he only takes the smallest," commented Doen, Dien's sister.

"It is precisely the most precious thing is taken by him,"

"But it's just silver. The rest is gold, brother."

"The weight will only be troublesome when used,"

"Huh?"

"Condroso isn't just used for decoration, my dear sister." Dien pinched Doen's cheek with anxiety.

••••••••••••••••••••

"Miss, be careful." Noto took Wedhung out of the scabbard. A white tiger suddenly approached those who were resting.

The journey passes quickly because the nimble coachman avoids obstacles without shocks make passengers feel new for a while. Now they were at the foot of the mountain, hiding behind the thickets.

Cokro took off his scabbard and pointed an arrow at the tiger who was constantly pacing in front of them. "How much longer, Mi?" tanyanya is impatient.

"Crossbow?" idaline Gumam.

"I've been chasing him!" answer Ami. "But it seems like this tiger is not attacking," Ami put a thulup in front of her mouth watching the tiger moving right and left, occasionally growling small.

"MISS!"

Idaline swerved as her body flew towards the tiger. "to-HELP ME!" his shout was trying to catch the hand that was sticking out towards him.

"Ami, shoot the thulup boy!" cokro's orders in the middle of confusion.

Idaline kept motionless as the tiger bit her clothes, and she felt like she would fall if she moved a little.

The tiger, which was many times larger than Idaline had ever seen in the zoo, continued to run no matter how many thulup cubs stuck in its four legs.

Idaline stared at the hazy three people who kept running trying to reach her. But the tiger run cannot be preceded them. Idaline's face was deathly pale, she held back her tears from moving.

Somehow far the tiger took him, the savage beast's footsteps stopped under a banyan tree close to the vast field.

"Akh," cried Idaline as her face drew closer to the ground. "Eh?" he does not believe in being taken down well.

Idaline retreated backwards trying to get away from the giant white tiger that carried her. His violently shaking hands tried to reach out to the Condroso he had hidden behind his thick condition.

"I don't have any soul energy or body aura and even my flesh is still a little, why are you taking me??" long said Idaline as the tiger continued to approach her. He closed his eyes when the tiger raised his claws, he pointed Condroso forward not knowing about the animal or not.

"I'm not going to hurt you,"

Idaline frowned feeling her back touch the ground, she opened her eyes as the padded pad touched the back of her hand. Idaline held her breath seeing the tiger's face right in front of her face.

"I'm not going to hurt you,"

Previously Idaline felt someone talking to her, her eyes combing around hoping to ask for help.

"I'm the one talking,"

"You-you?" lirih Idaline doesn't believe it.

"Certainly,"

"Oh yeah, I'm just really not here,"

"I'm not going to hurt you" he repeated the third time.

"Then, can you take off your claws?"

"No. It's the only way if we're not connected yet,"

"I've never heard of anything like that,"

"Of course because only the Great Sage can speak to us without binding a contract. And you have a lot of body aura from that person, so I want to ask for help to heal my son." The white tiger turned its head away making Idaline look curious. The small white tiger lay weakly with a purple-colored body pattern.

"Your son is so cute, purple." amazed Idaline, the tiger glared at him with a sharp look.

"Our pattern lines should be black. My son played in the middle of the forest and met a hunter who attacked with poison. I'm late to see him,"

"Please don't tighten your hands. My hand can break" lamented Idaline, a tiger pad printed on her white skin.

"I'm sorry I was too emotional. There are many humans that we should not approach, you are one of them. But on the other hand you have the aura of a great ascetic, I beg of your help."

"I can't you guys get close?"

"There are some kinds of humans that we shouldn't approach. But the most striking thing is the human being who has a black hole in his heart, it feels like it can absorb us to a deep place. It is not only the animals that are already practicing that can sense, even ordinary animals will stay away from you because of that pitch-black aura,"

"Oh that's why the mosquito that always loved the scent of my blood now no one came near,"

"I don't expect much because you haven't practiced anything other than rough martial arts,"

"What a rude remark you have, yes" cut off Idaline.

"I just want you to give a little bit of the aura of the great ascetic into my son's body so that he can survive as I search for the needed plants on the slopes of Buto. I promise it will only take less than 3 days" continued the tiger no matter Idaline's cynical gaze.

"As you said, I am unreliable in martial arts, how am I going to protect him for 3 days? Even protecting yourself is not possible,"

"I told you no other animal would dare approach you,"

"What if humans come?"

"This.." doubt the tiger lost focus around him.

In the distance, a spiky bamboo in the darkness led to them. When the shot was right, the weapon darted from its nest towards the target.

Idaline looked up at the target of the bamboo shoot that was wet with black liquid. "HEY STOP!" his screams saw the bullet go towards the tiger cub who was lying unconscious.

•••_____________•••

© Al-Fa4 | 02 July 2021